UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: ECS Tech Inc

Location: Falls Church, Virginia; Fairfax, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia (On-site)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Human Factors

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive mission-aligned interface improvements for the War Data Platform (WDP) by translating operational user behaviors and feedback into actionable design intelligence.

• Conduct user research activities to support the design, engineering, and continuous improvement of WDP Core Integration UI/UX across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative user feedback, platform engagement metrics, and behavioral analytics to identify usability gaps and friction points.

• Produce research reports, findings summaries, and design recommendations to guide UI designers and engineers in developing intuitive, mission-aligned interfaces.

• Collaborate with Agile development teams to integrate user-centered design principles into dashboards, navigation models, and visualization components.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Researcher," the core responsibilities and context strongly indicate a focus on applying user research principles within a defense/government contracting environment, specifically for a critical data platform. The role requires translating complex operational needs into design requirements, bridging the gap between user behavior and technical implementation. This is not a purely academic research role but one deeply embedded in product development and strategic government initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute structured user research studies, discovery interviews, task analyses, and usability evaluations to inform interface designs supporting Combatant Commands, Joint Staff elements, and senior decision-makers.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, workflow diagrams, and behavioral models that translate operational mission needs into actionable UI and UX engineering requirements.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative user feedback, platform engagement metrics, heat map data, clickstream analytics, and survey results to identify usability gaps, friction points, and interface improvement opportunities.

• Produce research reports, findings summaries, and design recommendations that guide UI designers, front-end engineers, and platform architects in developing intuitive and mission-aligned interfaces.

• Facilitate recurring research sessions with cross-domain user groups to validate design concepts, refine prototypes, and align interface improvements with WDP Core Integration's enterprise architecture and data visualization standards.

• Collaborate with development teams during Agile sprints to integrate user-centered design principles into dashboards, navigation models, workspace layouts, and visualization components.

• Advance WDP Core Integration program value by enabling measurable improvements in task completion speed, user satisfaction, cognitive load reduction, and operational decision-support effectiveness across all enclaves.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the UX research function within the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a deep dive into the operational context of the War Data Platform. The mention of "Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments" and supporting "Combatant Commands" highlights the critical nature of the work and the need for rigorous, secure research practices. The emphasis on "measurable improvements" points towards a results-oriented approach to UX research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of UX research role.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in UX research, human factors engineering, or a closely related discipline within a federal, defense, enterprise software, or government contracting environment. Demonstrated proficiency in planning and executing structured user research studies, usability evaluations, and persona-driven design activities for complex, multi-stakeholder platforms.

Required Skills:

• Current Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

• Proven experience in UX research methodologies, including but not limited to: user interviews, contextual inquiry, usability testing, task analysis, heuristic evaluations, and surveys.

• Experience developing key UX deliverables such as user personas, journey maps, empathy maps, service blueprints, stakeholder maps, user flows, storyboards, interaction models, and wireframes.

• Demonstrated ability to collect, synthesize, and communicate qualitative and quantitative user research findings.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to weigh costs/benefits of actions and identify optimal solutions.

• Highly developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders (peers, end-users, executive management).

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies and collaborating with cross-functional engineering and design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data visualization and understanding how users interact with complex data dashboards.

• Familiarity with government security classification levels (Unclassified, Secret, TS/SCI) and their implications for user research and data handling.

• Experience with prototyping tools for creating interactive mockups and prototypes.

• Understanding of AI-First strategies and their impact on user interfaces and workflows.

• Familiarity with the U.S. Department of War's operational environment and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Secret clearance and the potential for TS/SCI is a significant factor. The experience must be within a "federal, defense, enterprise software, or government contracting environment," emphasizing the need for experience with complex, often bureaucratic, systems and user bases. The portfolio requirement is critical, as it serves as direct evidence of applied UX research skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A demonstrated portfolio that showcases the candidate’s UX research experience, problem-solving abilities, and deliverables. This is a critical component of the application and will be reviewed thoroughly.

• The portfolio should include examples of research plans, methodologies used, user personas, journey maps, usability test findings, and actionable design recommendations.

• Showcase how research insights directly influenced design decisions and led to measurable improvements in user experience or task efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• The candidate should be prepared to discuss their personal research processes, including how they structure research studies, recruit participants, analyze data, and present findings.

• Be ready to articulate the rationale behind choosing specific research methodologies for different project phases or objectives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document research findings in a clear, concise, and actionable manner suitable for Agile engineering teams and senior stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how they have translated research insights into specific UI/UX design requirements or recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. For a UX Researcher role, especially in a defense context, the portfolio must clearly articulate the candidate's ability to translate complex user needs into actionable design intelligence. It should not just show artifacts but tell a story of the research process, the challenges encountered, and the impact of the findings on the final product.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for UX Researchers with 3-5 years of experience in the Northern Virginia/DC metro area, and considering the government contracting environment and security clearance requirements, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $95,000 - $140,000 annually. This range can fluctuate based on the specific security clearance held and the candidate's demonstrated experience and impact.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conference attendance relevant to UX research and human factors engineering.

• Security Clearance Support: Potential for support in maintaining or upgrading security clearances.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life and long-term disability insurance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs. Overtime may be required during critical project phases or contract award periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for UX Researchers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, factoring in the specific requirements of government contracting and the need for security clearances. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in this sector, with a particular emphasis on professional development and security clearance support, which are key differentiators for candidates in this field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, Government Contracting, Defense Technology. ECS Tech Inc operates within the crucial intersection of technology solutions and government/defense needs, providing critical systems and support to federal agencies.

Company Size: ECS Tech Inc is a significant player in the government contracting space. While specific numbers can vary, they generally employ hundreds to thousands of professionals, indicating a mid-to-large-sized organization with established processes and a substantial client base. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for collaboration and specialization.

Founded: ECS was founded in 1980. This long history indicates stability, deep experience in the federal sector, and a well-established understanding of government client needs and operational environments.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated project team focused on the War Data Platform (WDP). This team will include other researchers, UI/UX designers, front-end engineers, back-end developers, project managers, and potentially subject matter experts (SMEs) from the defense community.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a UX Lead, a Program Manager, or a Director of Engineering/Product within the WDP program.

Methodology:

• The project operates under an Agile methodology, necessitating iterative development cycles and close collaboration between UX researchers and development teams.

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a strong emphasis on translating user research and analytics into actionable insights that improve the platform's effectiveness.

• Focus on user-centered design principles to ensure that the platform meets the complex and critical needs of its users in high-stakes environments.

Company Website: https://www.ecstech.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ECS Tech Inc's long history and focus on government contracting suggest a culture that values reliability, security, and deep domain expertise. The WDP initiative itself is highly strategic, implying that the team operates with a sense of mission and purpose, driven by national security objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Researcher. It requires a solid foundation in research methodologies and at least 3 years of practical experience. The responsibilities involve significant autonomy in planning and executing research, and the output directly impacts critical platform development.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report to a direct manager within the WDP program, likely a UX Lead or Project Manager. They will collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of designers, developers, and product stakeholders. Direct interaction with senior leadership and end-users from defense organizations is expected, offering visibility and exposure.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly influences the usability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the War Data Platform. By ensuring interfaces are intuitive and aligned with warfighter/decision-maker workflows, this role significantly contributes to faster, more informed operational decisions, thereby enhancing national security capabilities. The ability to demonstrate measurable improvements in user satisfaction and task efficiency directly ties the role's success to the program's strategic objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX research, such as advanced quantitative analysis, complex data visualization UX, or research within highly classified environments.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Researcher role, leading research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and taking on more strategic responsibilities in defining the UX vision for WDP or other projects.

• Domain Expertise: Develop advanced knowledge of defense operations, AI applications in warfare, and data platform architecture, becoming a highly sought-after expert in this niche.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into UX Design leadership, Product Management, or roles focused on Human Factors Engineering within the defense sector.

• Certification & Training: Pursue advanced certifications in UX research, human factors, or specific domain-related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The defense sector offers unique growth paths, often tied to security clearances and specialized domain knowledge. The opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI initiatives within a critical national security context provides a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires the researcher to be physically present at one of the specified Virginia locations (Falls Church, Fairfax, or Arlington). This is common for roles requiring access to sensitive information and close collaboration in government contracting.

Office Location(s):

• Falls Church, Virginia: 5611 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

• Fairfax, Virginia: 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031

• Arlington, Virginia (Pentagon): Pentagon, Arlington, VA 20310

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a secure government contracting environment, likely equipped with standard office amenities.

• Access to necessary hardware and software for UX research, data analysis, and collaboration will be provided.

• Expect a professional, structured environment with a strong emphasis on security protocols and adherence to government regulations.

• Opportunities for collaboration will exist within the project team, with regular meetings and touchpoints.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, approximately 9 AM to 5 PM ET, totaling 40 hours per week. Given the on-site requirement and the nature of the project (contingent upon contract award), adherence to the established schedule and any specific security access requirements will be critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement, particularly the mention of the Pentagon, underscores the sensitive nature of the work and the need for direct access to classified environments or personnel. This environment demands a high level of professionalism and adherence to security protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing for basic qualifications, experience, and security clearance status.

• Portfolio Review: Your UX research portfolio will be a key component.

Be prepared to walk through 1-2 case studies that best represent your skills and impact, focusing on problem definition, research methodology, insights, and design recommendations.

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Expect interviews with hiring managers, potential team leads, and peers. These will likely cover:

  • Deep dives into your portfolio case studies.
  • Hypothetical scenarios related to UX research challenges in a defense context.
  • Questions assessing your understanding of UX principles, research methodologies, and Agile processes.
  • Behavioral questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and handling difficult stakeholders.
  • Questions related to your experience with complex systems and sensitive data.

• Security Clearance Verification: The process will involve thorough vetting for security clearance requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Problem: What was the user or business challenge?
  • Your Role: What specific contributions did you make?
  • Methodology: What research methods did you employ and why?
  • Process: How did you execute the research, analyze data, and synthesize findings?
  • Insights: What were the key takeaways from your research?
  • Recommendations/Solutions: How did your insights translate into design changes or strategic recommendations?
  • Impact/Outcome: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved task completion time, increased user satisfaction, reduced error rates).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with complex systems, data visualization, defense/government clients, or high-stakes decision-making environments.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Beyond the visuals, be ready to verbally articulate your thought process, defend your methodological choices, and explain how your work contributed to project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methodologies: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of various UX research methods and when to apply them.

• Data Synthesis: Practice articulating how you synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into a cohesive narrative and actionable insights.

• Agile Context: Understand how UX research integrates into Agile sprints and how to deliver research findings iteratively.

• Defense Domain: If possible, familiarize yourself with common challenges in government/defense technology development and user experience in these sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to not just present artifacts but to articulate the strategic thinking and impact behind their research. The security clearance is a gating factor, so ensure it's clearly stated on the resume.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Tools for creating visual representations of interfaces and user flows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Balsamiq).

• Data Analysis Tools: Software for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, including statistical analysis and visualization (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python libraries like Pandas/NumPy, heat mapping tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg, clickstream analytics tools).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Platform Analytics: Familiarity with analyzing user engagement metrics, clickstream data, and heat maps specific to web or application platforms.

• Reporting Tools: Experience creating clear, concise reports and presentations for various stakeholders, potentially using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or data visualization software.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can feed into product development cycles is beneficial. Familiarity with systems that track user feedback or feature requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools listed are common in UX research. For this role, proficiency in analyzing complex data, including engagement metrics and behavioral analytics, is highlighted. The ability to translate these findings into actionable design requirements for development teams using Agile workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Centricity: A strong commitment to supporting national security objectives and the success of the War Data Platform's mission.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Reliance on rigorous research and data analysis to inform decisions and drive improvements, ensuring a high degree of accuracy and impact.

• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to sharing insights, providing constructive feedback, and working effectively across diverse teams and with various stakeholders.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of data security, confidentiality, and ethical research practices, especially given the classified nature of the project.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing user experience and platform effectiveness through ongoing research and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The UX Researcher will work closely with UI/UX designers, engineers, product managers, and potentially military/government stakeholders. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate research findings into a common understanding.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of constructive critique and iterative refinement of research plans, methodologies, and findings is expected.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research insights, best practices, and lessons learned across the project team and potentially within ECS Tech Inc’s broader UX community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be highly professional, security-conscious, and focused on delivering impactful solutions for critical government initiatives. Expect a disciplined approach to work, driven by mission requirements and data-backed insights.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Classified Environments: Conducting research and handling data across Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret enclaves requires strict adherence to protocols and may involve logistical complexities.

• Translating Complex Needs: Understanding and translating the intricate operational requirements of military and intelligence users into intuitive interface designs can be challenging.

• Data Synthesis: Synthesizing diverse sources of qualitative and quantitative data from various classification levels to derive cohesive, actionable insights.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating research findings and design recommendations to a wide range of stakeholders, from end-users to senior executives, who may have differing priorities and technical understanding.

• Agile Integration: Ensuring UX research is effectively integrated into fast-paced Agile development sprints without compromising research rigor.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Research Techniques: Gaining deeper expertise in specialized research methods relevant to complex systems and data-intensive applications.

• Defense Domain Knowledge: Developing a profound understanding of military operations, data platforms, and the AI-First strategy within the Department of War.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Opportunities to maintain and potentially upgrade security clearances, which are valuable assets in the defense contracting industry.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced researchers, designers, and defense SMEs within the project.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant conferences focused on UX, Human Factors, defense technology, or AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the high-stakes, secure environment and the complexity of the user base and technology. Overcoming these challenges presents significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct user research across different security classification levels. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, security awareness, and adaptability.)

• "How would you approach understanding the cognitive load for warfighters using a complex data visualization tool under pressure? What research methods would you employ?" (Demonstrate understanding of cognitive load, relevant research techniques, and domain context.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of the War Data Platform and ECS Tech Inc, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges for this project?" (Demonstrate research into the project and company.)

• "How do you ensure your research aligns with the strategic objectives of a government contract, especially one focused on AI and national security?" (Connect UX work to broader mission impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives. Start with the problem, detail your research journey, highlight key insights, and conclude with the impact of your recommendations.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio visuals (personas, journey maps, wireframes) are clean, professional, and easy to understand.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by 15%", "increased user satisfaction scores by 20%").

• Focus on Process: Be ready to explain why you chose specific methodologies and how your research process led to actionable insights.

• Address Security: If any past projects involved sensitive data, be prepared to discuss how you handled confidentiality and security protocols without revealing proprietary information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to translate complex research into actionable insights for a defense-oriented, Agile development team. Be ready to discuss security protocols and the unique challenges of working in classified environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link: https://myjobs.adp.com/ecsfederal/cx/job-details?reqId=5001199839706

• Customize Your Resume: Clearly highlight your experience with UX research, human factors engineering, and working within federal/defense environments. Ensure your security clearance status (current Secret, ability to obtain TS/SCI) is prominently displayed.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 1-2 strong case studies that best showcase your research process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a PDF or a link to a personal website).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear articulation of the problem, your methodology, key insights, and the resulting impact. Be ready to answer questions about your process and decisions.

• Research ECS Tech Inc & WDP: Understand the company's mission and the strategic importance of the War Data Platform initiative. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, project, and challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.